Bosnian Culture
People l Tradition l Values
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a bridge between East and West located in the heart of Southeast Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long and exciting history. It has witnessed conquerors who, while struggling to gain control over the country, rather assimilated and created a land which now stands for a symbol of coexistence of communities from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Therefore, most cities imprison the medieval, Ottoman, and the Austro-Hungarian architectural design harmoniously intertwined in various buildings, and sacral and cultural monuments.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is known as the host of the 14th Winter Olympic Games which took place in 1984 on mountains nested around Sarajevo, the country’s capital, a place where WWI commenced with assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne – Franz Ferdinand, and a place where the longest city siege in the history of modern warfare took place from 1992 – 1995.
Each era and historical stage of Bosnia and Herzegovina has its own symbols, treasured by its people, and all these various civilizations and traditions make Bosnia and Herzegovina a real gem for travellers all over the world who want to take a leap into the past and enrich their knowledge and senses. Explore our archeological parks, natural parks, fortresses, religious monuments, museums and galleries…
Family Structure in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian culture is characterized by patriarchal tradition and strong community and neighborhood networks. Family has great importance to people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and neighborhood and friendship ties follow right behind.
Traditionally, Bosnians lived in agricultural communities (called ‘zadruga’) which consisted of two or three up to over a hundred families. Nowadays, this concept is cherished through communities (network of large families, friends and neighbors) especially in rural areas and old neighborhoods called „mahala“.
Children often live with their parents well into adulthood or until they move out at marriage. It is not rare that, later on, parents, when in their old age, move in to live with their children. Therefore, elders are highly respected. Grandparents have a great influence in raising children and very often have the most authority in other family matters as well.
Due to the 1992-1995 war, the Bosnian family was greatly impacted. The war took many casualties and left many households without a father. In addition to that, the country’s industry has been severely damaged causing the country’s economy to grow weak. With progress toward modernization and economic development, life in the cities and crowded urban and business areas has changed. Nevertheless, the Bosnians still desire to have two or more children in their immediate family.
Modern Times and Customs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Among the current modern times, the former customs and traditions are gradually vanishing due to the influence of the western world which has even reached remote areas of the country. Old customs and traditions still remain well preserved in rural areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, however. In the major cities of the country, families consist of the parents and children until the latter wish to live separately. Nowadays, females are very frequently well-educated and considered equal members in the families with the freedom to organize and live modern westernized lifestyles.
Diversity
During centuries of cultural diversity, Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though a small country, evolved into one of the most fascinating countries in Europe.
Due to its geostrategic position in the Western Balkan, Bosnia and Herzegovina was conquered by numerous different civilizations. Legacy left behind these civilizations led to creating a perfect blend of culture and arts into a mosaic phenomenon which perfectly reflects their roots and combines old and modern times. The Ottoman Empire ruled over Bosnia and Herzegovina for four centuries, and left behind strong influence upon religion, culture and customs. Numerous traces of Turkish architecture is to be visited in old cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most trading quarters were established during the Ottoman rule, and remain strong to this day. The Ottoman culture is also portrayed through old crafts, local cuisine and everyday customs. The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy which inherited the Ottoman era was mostly focused on developing infrastructure including numerous public institutions and buildings, industries and mines, and an extensive railway and road network, and remains a great part of the architectural wealth of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Even though Bosnia and Herzegovina was affected by many disputes some of which led to wars, people here have always lived together and shared their values with each other. Inhabitants are mainly of Slavic origin – Muslims (50,7 %), Orthodox (30,7%), and Catholics (15,2%). But there are also Bohemians, Albanians, Jews as well as other groups of people. All together they give unique charm of different cultures, races, and nations through art, music, history and their own traditions.
Art l Music l Theater
More than any other country in Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted a blend of cultural influences. For centuries, different cultures, traditions, customs and religions have passed through the country, each leaving something behind and, at the same time, transforming and adapting to the next. Traditional handwork of copper-engravers from Sarajevo or famous stonecutters from Konjic, as well as music and folklore from different regions, and international writers such as Ivo Andrić, the Nobel Prize winner (The Bridge Over the Drina) or Meša Selimović, known for his novel, Death and the Dervish, have all contributed to our rich multi-cultural heritage.
Many galleries in Počitelj, near Mostar, give a visible image of various influences upon painters. Počitelj, a famous art colony, has been representing an inspiration and asylum for artists from all around Europe for decades. It is the place that will arouse even the best-hidden emotions and fascinate you with its tranquility and beauty for all time.
Prior to becoming independent in 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina was part of Yugoslavia. Back in the days, Yugoslav cinematography that became globally recognized in 1967 had created many masterpieces. After the independence, there were several acclaimed and award-winning screenwriters, filmmakers and cinematographers such as: Zlatko Topčić, Hajrudin Krvavac, Danis Tanović, Ahmed Imamović, Ivica Matić, Ademir Kenović, Benjamin Filipović, Jasmin Dizdar, Dino Mustafić, Srđan Vuletić, Aida Begić and many more.
Bosnian 2003 film, Remake, is one of the most expensive and highest-grossing debut films in the history of world cinema (director’s and screenwriter’s first feature film), one of the most expensive and highest-grossing European films and one of the highest-grossing non-English films of all time.
Other prize-winning films in the contemporary cinematography were directed by Danis Tanović, who won an Oscar for his film, “No Man’s Land” and a Silver Berlin Bear for his new film “Berač željeza” (“An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker”) or Jasmila Žbanić, who won Golden Berlin Bear for the film “Grbavica”.
Bosnian music originates from Central Bosnia, and represents rural folk songs performed by wooden flute and šargija, as well as violins, flutes and saz. One of the best known autochthonic styles in sevdah – old parlor love songs with some Turkish influences (Turkish string instrument saz) depicting love stories or everyday life in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a touch of tragedy or nostalgia.
The gusle, an instrument found throughout the Balkans, is also used to accompany ancient Slavic epic poems. There are also Bosnian folk songs in the Ladino language, derived from the area’s Jewish population.
Some of the most popular sevdah performers are Kadir Kurtagić, Emina Ahmedhodžić, Hašim Muharemović, Muhamed Mešanović-Hamić, Beba Selimović, Zehra Deović, Silvana Armenulić, Safet Isović, Himzo Polovina, Zaim Imamović and Hanka Paldum or modern day sevdah performers such as Mostar Sevdah Reunion and Divanhana bands, Amira Medunjanin, Damir Imamović, Božo Vrećo…
New or modern folk is partially influenced by sevdah with elements of pop music is also very popular.
Rock music and electronic music have been very popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the mid-20th century. Sarajevo used to be the ex-Yugoslav’s rock center up until the 1992-1995 war. Yugoslav rock pioneers, Bijelo dugme and Indexi bands, left a profound trace on our music scene.Popular and influential rock bands and artists have also included Divlje jagode, Plavi orkestar, Crvena jabuka, Zabranjeno pušenje and other bands and performers, whereas electronic music features drum and bass, trance music, breakbeat and industrial. Hip Hop was introduced by a famous local rapper Edo Maajka whose innovative texts made a breakthrough in Bosnia and Herzegovina and rest of the ex-Yugoslavia.
The traditional dance called folklore is a very distinctive dance is based on two formations: open and closed one. The dance is performed with different number of players, who dressed in national clothes; move in the rhythm of traditional folk songs with ethno and oriental melodies in a circle (closed) or semi-circle (open) formations.
Clothes
As multicultural and versatile as Bosnia and Herzegovina is in its customs, traditions and architecture, as versatile it is in its national clothes. They all resemble Balkan, Mediterranean and Oriental culture. The first findings on national attire go back to the Illyrian period.
Old Illyrian tombs revealed numerous ornaments and luxurious material used in clothes. Wool, linen, hemp and leather were used towards the end of the 19th century. Hemp and linen were used for shirts, intimates and head scarves. Linen was used for more festival occasions, whereas everyday wardrobe was made of linen combined with hemp. Urban areas used cotton, which was spread to rural areas as well by the end of the 19th century. Wool was the ingredient for the larger part of the attire. Cloth made of wool was used in black, white and dark blue colors. Raw leather was used for making shoes called opanci. Opanci were used by urban, wealthy and rural population up until the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Later, they remained popular in rural areas.
Some of the best samples of the traditional clothing, especially from the 19th century, can be seen in local museums.
As for present day clothing – there isn’t much difference in Bosnia and Herzegovina fashion from any westernized country. There are many famous fashion designers from Bosnia and Herzegovina such as Kao Pao Shu, Kaftan Studio, Haad… and some of the extravagant fashion pieces can be seen in the largest fashion festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Nivea BiH Fashion Week Sarajevo.
Architecture
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a melting pot of many different cultures, a bridge between East and West. The traveler’s experience spans from remains of Neolithic and Roman times to the reign of the Bosnian Kings; from the Ottoman Period, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Yugoslavian era with Marshal Tito as its leader.
The two most prolific periods in terms of architectural style were the Ottoman and the Austro-Hungarian.
Most medieval and Ottoman fortresses were built on the remains of the Roman structures. Those military structures were predominantly built on hills as a defense strategy. Some remain to this day, and constitute an important part of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian history. Most beautiful samples are to be seen in Sarajevo, Travnik, Tešanj, Cazin, Srebrenik, Bobovac, Vranduk…
With the arrival of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, formation of the present-day old city parts begins and the first trade squares called čaršija are being established. Ottoman era is notable for its stone and wood buildings, narrow passageways with craftsmen and trading shops, clay tile roofs, and domes; small domed mosques with octagonal minarets, ornamented Islamic schools and universities, and single-arch stone bridges. Indeed, within the old towns and beyond are many original monuments from this period that give Bosnia and Herzegovina astonishing oriental dash. Among numerous architectural masterpieces, the two bridges enlisted as UNESCO heritage are the Old Bridge in Mostar and the Mehmed Pasha-Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad.
With the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Bosnia and Herzegovina is introduced to a western style. Symmetrical stone buildings portraying stunningly ornamented façades with floral or geometric decorations, and human figures on balconies and pillars blended perfectly into oriental towns and cities. The most beautiful samples in all major cities are museums, universities and city halls. The City Hall in Sarajevo is a real architectural delicacy revealing Pseudo-Moorish design combined with other styles. This period also introduced the concept of urban planning and regulations related to safety and spatial arrangement.
One of the least appreciated periods is the communist and socialist period which came after the First World War when Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of Yugoslavia. The main material used was concrete, with uncreative edifices and tall buildings.
The 1992-1995 war destroyed many cultural and historical monuments and residential buildings. In the years to follow after the war, great majority were rebuilt and new architectural styles introduced. The new designs introduced combination of glass and concrete. Some blended perfectly, and others created a new extraordinary mixture of old and modern adding to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unique architectural composition.